Department of Defense

Hawaii’s periodic episodes with Madame Pele are another source of danger which constantly requires the support of the Hawaii National Guard. In early January, Hawaii Army National Guard UH-1H “Huey” helicopters stationed on the Big Island were used to transport U.S. Geological Survey teams and Civil Defense officials to Asses potential threats and determine the requirements for advanced preparation.

In February, Hawaii army National Guard soldiers, were called to state active duty to battle raging brush fires caused by hot lava flowing over dry land area.

In March Big Island Army National Guard soldiers were again called to state active service. In that call-up, Army Guard soldiers evacuated Paradise Park residents when the subdivision was threatened by huge masses of molten lava. Throughout the year, more than 130 Big island Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers were placed on active duty to assist geologist, and County Civil Defense officials mitigate the threat and disasters brought on by volcanic eruption.

– 1983 Annual Report pp.15

The Hawaii Army National Guard aviation units flew approximately 522 hours to support law enforcement
agencies and to monitor volcano lava flows. . . .

On the island of Hawaii, helicopter assistance was provided to determine the threat and scope of the emergency resulting from the Mauna Loa volcano eruption in March 1984. The Hawaii Army National Guard expended a total of 43 mandays and 21.6 flying hours. The operation involved three officers,
six warrant officers, and eight enlisted personnel as pilots and crew chiefs.

– 1984 Annual Report pp. 9

State Civil Defense requirements included monitoring the increased activity of volcanoes on the island of Hawaii.

– 1985 Annual Report pp. 9

Kilauea’s Puu O’o Vent continued to remain active during the year. Dating back to January 1983, the 48th episode awakened to unleash a swath of destruction after remaining docile for nearly four years. Beginning in November 1986, rivers of lava flowing from the East Rift Zone overran homes, historical sites, and roadways in the Kalapana area, forcing residents to retreat. By the end of February 1987, lava had claimed 27 homes, severed waterlines, and cut off public roadway access. At year’s end, Puu O’o showed no signs of quieting.

– 1987 Annual Report pp. 15

Through your leadership, a Federal disaster was declared for Puna residents on the Big Island. This measure provided immediate relief and assistance for the beleaguered victims of more than seven years of seemingly relentless volcanic destruction.

– 1990 Annual Report pp. 1

Kilauea declared major disaster in 1990. Since the eruption began in 1983, lava from Kilauea’s Pu’u O’o and Kupaianaha vents has affected over 35 square miles of land in the Puna District, destroying or endangering nearly 250 residences and buildings and burying 2,500 houselots. In seven years, lava has been responsible for more than $61 million in private and public property losses. Pumping out approximately 650,000 cubic yards daily, the Kupaianaha vent continues to pose an active threat to lands adjacent to Kalapana

– 1990 Annual Report pp. 16

Kilauea eruption continues. Kilauea’s Kupaianaha vent continued to erupt throughout the year with a steady flow of approximately 650,000 cubic yards of lava per day. The lava moved into the Kaimu area, destroying homes, filling in Kaimu Bay and covering the famous Black Sand Beach. The lava flow later cooled and stopped its eastward advance, sparing remaining homes. Lava tubes in the Kalapana area continued to drain lava into the ocean

– 1991 Annual Report pp. 16

Kilauea claims more homes. In late October 1991, upslope lava from Kilauea’s Kupaianaha vent claimed the last remaining homes in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The subdivision, severely damaged by earlier flows, had been largely vacant for two years. October’s loss was the first since early January 1991, and the 180^th structure claimed by lava since the beginning of the eruption. Active since January 1983, the Kilauea eruption has overrun an estimated 2,500 houselots and caused over $60 million in property damage in the Big Island’s Puna District.

– 1992 Annual Report pp. 16

Proclaimed a federal disaster in 1990, the Kilauea Lava Flow has been active since 1983. Lava from the Pu’u O’o and Kupaianaha vents have caused an estimated $62 million in damage to homes, roadways, and utilities. Lava destroyed historic sites and public parks as well.

– 1997 Annual Report pp. 22

In its 15-year run, Kilauea has destroyed nearly 200 homes, covered over 2,500 house lots, and caused more than $62 million in damages. Forty-two repair projects for damaged public facilities and services have been completed since 1990.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 24

Then beginning in October 2014, the 291st CCS activated 59 Airmen to support Hawaii County Civil Defense in response to the months-long lava flow in the lower Puna district, managing the Command and Control for “Task Force Response,” and coordinating roving security patrols throughout the impacted communities. The HIANG also provided Eagle Vision imagery to civil authorities to support the Puna Lava Flow contingency on the Big Island.

– 2015 Annual Report pp. 19